Netherlands 5 Euro 2017 The Defence of Amsterdam BU

The sixth coin of the series of coins with the theme of the Dutch World Heritage has as its subject the æDefence Line of AmsterdamÆ. The Defence Line of Amsterdam is a special defence ring of 46 forts and batteries, locks and dykes. The Defence Line of Amsterdam is, naturally, located around Amsterdam. The line was built between 1880 and 1914 and the goal was to keep the enemy out of the city. An ingenious system could be flood the land. During the First and Second World Wars, the Defence Line of Amsterdam was brought into a state of readiness, but fortunately never had to be used. Most forts and batteries now have a completely different purpose. Since 1996 the Defence Line of Amsterdam has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the face of the coin is an image of the Fort at the Ossenmarkt (cattle market). In a circle of three lines of text the locations of the Forts of the Defence Line are shown. In addition, the text æStelling van Amsterdam Nederlands Werelderfgoed 2017Æ is printed in a circle. Water is represented inside this circle. Additionally, the value indication of 5 Euro is shown to the right. Between the value indication and the image of the fort is the new Dutch Mint mark, the Servaas bridge. It is the first time that this mint mark is shown on a special Dutch Euro coin. The reverse of this series of coins is always the same û a large portrait of King Willem Alexander with a silhouette of his head superimposed along with the text æWillem Alexander King of the NetherlandsÆ. Furthermore the Royal Coat of Arms is displayed. The quality of the coin is Brilliant Uncirculated and is mounted in a special numbered Coincard. On the Coincard is an image of Fort Pampus. Everyone knows the saying Lie Before Pampus. One is then completely counted out! This expression is hundreds of years old and dates from the time that Pampus was still a sandbank near Amsterdam. Deep-draught ships often could not enter the port of Amsterdam at low tide and had to wait for the tide before they coul d continue sailing. That waiting was called "lying before Pampus". Now Pampus is a real island with the famous Fort Pampus built on it.